SAPPHIRE ICE LEISURE CENTRE

From the outside the building represents a block of ice due to the striking blue shades of glass panes

The Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre was constructed by Wilmott Dixon and is one of the first new-build centres in the UK to be fitted with Angle Eye. The project took a total of 21 months to build, opening in February 2018 with more than 8,000 people trying out the new facilities for free on the open day. The goal was to build a multi-functional space with an ice rink as in 2013 the Romford Ice Arena had closed which a lot of people had gone to previously, and to also build a Leisure Centre in Romford as there wasn’t one before.

Glass panes keeps insulation in which is required for the building to run effectively

Continuous shape and folds into symmetrical shapes

The Leisure Centre’s form is rectangular which helps make the building blend into the street whilst still creating a unique, interesting point (the blue captures interest). Wilmott and Dixon’s main goal was to make the building look like ice to grab locals' attention and to also resemble the popular ice rink.Willmott and Dixon needed to address two fundamental concerns: dealing with the minimal tolerance structure alongside a requirement for a warm, high humidity swimming pool and a cool, low humidity ice rink. Facilities include a gym, ice rink, swimming pool, dance studios and two cafes.

The interior of Sapphire Ice Leisure is quite minimal (although it could be argued too minimal),and it contrasts with the exterior of the building as the exterior is a cool blue, whereas the interior has warm white lights and brown chairs and tables which provides a homely interior.The ground floor is home to the reception,the café and the pools.

The building is five storeys high which includes a suspended 56x26m ice rink above the main 25m pool on ground floor.And an elevator connects the 4 floors to each other for easy travel, as well as stairs for a healthier option

I decided to create and design a Sketchup that highlights the brief details of the café and interior space when you walk in